Is this the best yet of the Vortex Razor HD binoculars? You bet it is! The third generation Razor HD takes already great optics to the next level with a new technology and innovative design. Vortex shaves 5 ounces off the old weight for a truly comfortable 24.7 ounces, expands the field of view to a generous 362 feet/1000 yards, and increases the close focus from 8 feet to a more useful 6 feet. The APO Optical System, HD glass, and dielectric multi-layer prism coatings combine for unparalleled color sharpness, resolution, brightness, and fidelity. All of this optical excellence is protected in a magnesium chassis with rubber armoring, fogproofing with argon gas, waterproofing, and Armor Tek coatings. One tough, top-performing binocular, you never have to worry about the Vortex Razor HD standing the test of time. The Vortex VIP Warranty keeps your binocular performing for generations to come.

Optical Features

High Definition (HD) extra-low dispersion glass and APO optical system

I have been using these binocs for the last year for my primary birding optics. I bought them to replace a 40 year old pair of Zeiss binoculars. It took a while for me to get used to the focus knob. I would actually prefer if the knob had a bit more resolution. By this I mean I would like to have to turn it a little farther to bring something into focus. Of course there is a trade off between fast focus and fine focus and now that I have gotten used to it, I am OK with it.

I like the fact that you can lock in the setting for eye disparity. My Zeiss did not have this feature and I always had to look to make sure it hadn't been changed inadvertently.

The optics are first rate and light transfer is very nice. I would recommend these to any birder. They may or may not be as high quality as the more expensive optics, but they are very nice. I bird a lot but I simply did not want to spend twice as much for a pair of binoculars that are probably not twice as good. I'm satisfied with these and will likely have them for the rest of my life.

Better than I expected
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02/04/2015

by
Richard N. from Point Richmond, CA

I bought these without the opportunity to try them, but knowing Eagle Optics sterling reputation, I put complete trust in the person who helped me over the phone. These binos are better than I even expected!I'm over 70, wear glasses, and just don't see as well as I used to. In my volunteer work I have to read wing tags at pretty significant distances. My Razor HDs do the job beautifully (within my own optical limitations, of course). One thing I really like is how bright the image is, even in very low light. I'm particularly impressed with how the color on a bird really pops when viewed through the binoculars. I have a Swarovski scope. and have used Swarovski binoculars. I really can't see a significant difference - except in the price!

After I'd had these binoculars for almost a year, the diopter adjustment malfunctioned. Getting them repaired (at no charge) by Eagle Optics was seamless. Even though I was without them for only a short time, I really missed them. Thank you Eagle Optics!

I would recommend these without reservation.

Incredible value
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01/28/2014

by
Beth W. from Durango, CO

I was in the market for a pair of mid-level binoculars to replace my trusty Nikon Monarch 8x42s. My budget was around $1,000, and while I would have loved to consider some Swarovision ELs, they were simply unaffordable at this point. I looked at the Vortex Viper HDs and also these Razors. The Razors cost a bit more than I was wanting to spend, but after looking through them side by side with the Swarovisions, I felt it was more than worth it to splurge for the Razors. These are truly an incredible value- the image is so crisp and clear, with extraordinary power in low light. When I am using them birding, it feels almost as if I'm examining the bird in the palm of my hand. The focusing knob is extremely smooth- scanning through dense brush for furtive birds is a breeze and it feels like I have a superpower for bird finding. I'm no optics expert, but I can definitely say that using these binoculars takes my birding experience to another level, and the clarity makes me giddy!

Out of the box, these are nicely accessorized with a comfortable, adjustable neck strap, sturdy cordura case, and nice soft rubber lens covers. I am picky about this sort of thing, but have found that I'm satisfied with the accessories the Razors come with. I wasn't expecting the binoculars to have a metal exterior, but they do... and while I love the aesthetic and feel of them, they tend to get rather cold in the winter weather. The thumb rest on the underside is perfectly placed for balance, and these feel very good in the hand.

For the beginning or intermediate user, these might seem like a real splurge. For the expert, you might be skeptical of the low price tag. Either way, I suggest you order these and give them a try before making up your mind- you've got 30 days to try them out risk free, and I can't imagine how anyone could bear send them back. I'll be recommending these binoculars for years.

Review of Razor 10X42
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07/09/2013

by
Bob T. from Minnesota

i have been birding since age 11, which was 53 years ago.I studied long and hard in preparation for replacing my well-loved Leitz 10X40 from 1976. The Vortex is as advertised - top-notch binos with excellent control. Weight is good,as I wanted a bino with less weight. Lighter than the other choices; I think it weighs about 3 more oz than the Leitz. balance in hand is very good. Optics are very clear. Near focus is incredible (especially when compared to the 1976 Leitz where one had to back up to see the bird clearly at times). Ease of focus is excellent. Having looked thru many $2000+ binos who belonged to colleagues on many far-flung trips, the Vortex is Superb Value.

High performance, high value binoculars
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12/21/2012

by
Mark from Austin, Texas

Pros: remarkably bright images, low weight, excellent focusing (best I have used, including Nikon, Swarovski, Zeiss), well-built. Cons: I get the same slight, but noticeable "rolling" globe distortion experienced with Swarovskis and some others, but not Leica or Zeiss. This is individual. Not everyone sees it, or cares. However, the Razor weight, image quality, and focusing are so good (especially given the price!), that I am keeping the Razor HDs-- and am very happy with my purchase.

Splendid Bright Bins !
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10/02/2012

by
Birding Trip Leader from Cleveland OH

Compared against Zeiss Victory 10x42: This new glass replaces my old favorites. The Zeiss, though somewhat heavy, have exceptional sharpness and light transmission, but has certainly been bested by these Razor HD 10x42 bins! These new Razor HD have extraordinary light-gathering power, particularly in early morning and late evening hours when other bins may not see well. The clarity and resolution coupled with accurate color rendition make these a bird watcher's dream. The final advantage I found was their lighter weight compared to the Zeiss bins, and have been able to take them birding multiple times in the past two months without resorting to a binocular harness strap arrangement. We're headed for Cape May in two weeks where they'll get a real workout against distant hawks and "confusing fall warblers" but with that big HD glass, these are the bins to have !

Vortex Razor HD = High Quality
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09/02/2012

by
Mark from North Carolina

Very high quality. Very. Using mid level Leupold. Received $1550 pair of Zeiss, Sent them back because I saw no real improvement. These Razor HD optics are very sharp and clear.They feel very nice in hand. Packaging is first rate.Add this to the customer service at Eagle Optics and you have all you could ask for.